How Old Do Banties Need to Be Before You Can Tell What Sex They Are?

[MROO]

Hm. Yeah, I don't plan on hatching out any chicks, so I don't really have a reason to want a broody hen per say. Is there anything to do for it, or just let them try for 3 weeks and then give up?

There is a great deal of info here on BYC about "breaking" a broody hen. Most are pretty easy on both you and the bird. One of the simplest ways is to put her in a cage (with plenty of room) that has a wire bottom for a week or so, but there are other ways to try, as well.

 

[AmyJane725]

There is a great deal of info here on BYC about "breaking" a broody hen. Most are pretty easy on both you and the bird. One of the simplest ways is to put her in a cage (with plenty of room) that has a wire bottom for a week or so, but there are other ways to try, as well.

That's good to hear. I haven't looked into it a ton, but I've heard some of the methods can be kind of mean (like putting ice packs under the hen and stuff).

 

[Lady Who]

I would have to say that you should do your own reseach on breaking broody hens but for me. I do use ice packs (they are rapped them in a hand towel for safety) but when it is 98F in the summer, i think it kind of keeps my black 90% fluff broody mess from over heating.

 

[AmyJane725]

I would have to say that you should do your own reseach on breaking broody hens but for me. I do use ice packs (they are rapped them in a hand towel for safety) but when it is 98F in the summer, i think it kind of keeps my black 90% fluff broody mess from over heating.

Yeah, that does sound like it would be nice in the summer. I was imagining a poor hen out in the cold trying to incubate an ice pack. I’m glad you wrap the pack in paper towel too. I was worried about it freezing to their skin. Didn’t intend to call you mean or anything. I know very little about it and that was just my initial perception.